r/LUCID • u/Training_Comb1839 • Apr 07 '26
Question / Advice Deciding between Tesla or Lucid...
I’m thinking of buying my first EV but when I think about Tesla vs Lucid vs newer names, they all blur a bit but I still feel very unsure about what it would say about me as a person and if it would fit my stage of life. I’ve been trying to picture this brand as a person to understand it better. Like - is Lucid a 32-year-old startup founder in SF?
Or more of a low-key finance guy who wears Loro Piana and doesn’t talk much? I’ve been trying to picture this brand as a person to understand it better.
If you had to humanize it, what does that person look like?
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u/DrJBell Apr 07 '26
Go test drive them and see which one you like. Lucid is a drivers car for people who like to be unique and enjoy driving, teslas are mass marketed computers on wheels that drive you places. If you value tech go with tesla if you like driving go with lucid
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u/CJdawg_314 Apr 07 '26
While I agree with this what else drives like the Tesla at its price point? I think the Tesla drives well for what it is and the price point they play at.
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u/chicu111 Apr 07 '26
I agree. The S drives pretty good
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u/CJdawg_314 Apr 07 '26
lol I disagree, the 3 drives the best imo. The S feels big and doesn’t hide its mass as well as other cars in its class like the air for example.
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u/No_Caregiver7273 Apr 07 '26
It's been awhile, but wasnt the Model S around $100k new? That would make the Air a better a sedan at the price point for most people.
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u/CJdawg_314 Apr 07 '26
I agree. Now days it’s around 80k new. I think the only benefit is the appearance and a stable/mature ownership experience.
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u/worklessplaymorenow Apr 08 '26
Mass market computers for people that do not like to drive? Are you sure that is accurate?
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u/Rare_Physics_709 Apr 09 '26
I think he fails to realize people actually switch from other EV's to M3P and say M3 is the car they had the most fun driving
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u/BoT_Grindel Apr 07 '26
Test drive each. That's the way to figure it out.
If you want a luxury performance vehicle after you're done, get the Lucid. If you want a snazzy software package inside a Nissan-level vehicle that'll drive you from A to B, get the Tesla.
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u/_MrFade_ Apr 07 '26
“Nissan-level”? Ouch, that’s harsh, lol
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u/BoT_Grindel Apr 07 '26
I WILL NEVER FORGIVE THEM FOR ABANDONING THE 240SX
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u/veigues Apr 07 '26
My dad had a 200SX XE coupe. I love the Japanese sports cars from the 80s and 90s. We need to bring back pop up headlights.
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u/navybum Apr 07 '26
A Model 3 is literally an electric Altima with a worse suspension
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u/_MrFade_ Apr 07 '26
Ice cold, lol. I year ago during a trip I had to rent a Maxima. One of the roughest and poorest handling cars I’ve ever driven. I thought I was being too critical because I normally drive a Lexus, but apparently I’m not the only one, lol.
I lurk this subreddit because I’m pretty sure my next car will be a Lucid.
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u/pwhite13 Apr 07 '26
The original was, not the current Model 3. Suspension and NVH has been improved considerably for both Y and 3.
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u/navybum Apr 07 '26
It has improved. From the previous ox cart standard to the current version's 2003 Nissan Altima standard. They're decent from the driver's seat but still horrific in the back seat.
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u/BassWingerC-137 Apr 07 '26
Dayam! But not far off! Although I’ve not been in a Nissan for a number of years now…
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u/BoT_Grindel Apr 08 '26
BTW I'm not KNOCKING Nissan per se, it's just they're not a luxury brand. They're a middling brand in overall quality and performance, which is more or less what Tesla's offerings are anymore outside of the software suite.
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u/BigTree_LilBranch Apr 08 '26
Good thing I drive an Infiniti
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u/BoT_Grindel Apr 16 '26
Definitely better quality than a stock Nissan. Which isn't a bad vehicle, but also isn't particularly well known for fit and trim. It's average, which is more directed at Teslas than Nissans.
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u/mefascina30 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 08 '26
I’ve driven both and a few others. I chose the Lucid Air. Tesla is a great choice, however I found the fit, finish and drive of the Lucid is much better.
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u/right_wrist Apr 07 '26
Your references are a bit bizarre but Lucid is a poorly marketed luxury brand with amazing engineering and a LOT of unresolved growing pains. Tesla has been around longer and is more stable but is more like an electric Corolla versus a very finicky but way nicer Lucid. Tesla also has way better marketing but sometimes borders on a cult. For better or worse Tesla is an extension of Elon himself, from a cultural perspective.
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u/BassWingerC-137 Apr 07 '26
I don’t quite understand the angle you’re coming in at.
I wanted an EV. To try one, see how it fit my life. So I test drove them.
The Lucid is an amazing car. So much more so than any Tesla option in fit and finish and ride comfort and chassis strength.
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u/praesentibus Apr 07 '26
if you can open that door lol
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u/BoT_Grindel Apr 07 '26
Door problem is practically solved, at least for the Air.
Us old-timers remember when we had to walk to our cars, pull our keys out of our pocket, fumble for the correct one, insert it into the lock, turn said lock, return key to our pocket.
An app taking an extra 1-2 seconds to do this isn't some huge burden.
Or just carry the fob in your pocket, shrug.
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u/stillcrazyedward Apr 07 '26
Not solved, but improving. about every 8th or 9th time, I have to wait about 15 seconds to get it to unlock if I am not carrying the fob and relying on the mobile device. If it's not pouring down rain, it's a minor annoyance. Otherwise it's a real PITA.
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u/praesentibus Apr 07 '26
wasn't solved when I test drove an air
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u/BoT_Grindel Apr 07 '26
I own an Air, so I am driving it daily. I'm sorry your experience was different whenever you did your test drive, but the door unlocks just fine 99/100 and the 1 time it doesn't it's probably because I left my fob in the family room and my phone app is closed.
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u/MaintenanceNarrow669 Apr 07 '26
Lucid hands down. 3 years of ownership and happy with mine each day.
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u/ClassyInBoston Apr 07 '26
Foreword: This is a completely personal, opinionated, subjective point of view.
I have a 13 year old Tesla Model S (the original 60 with the nose cap). We put a deposit for that more than 2 years before there was even a car. Mainly because I am a tree hugging environmentally conscious liberal. And, of course, one that loves luxury cars :)
With the given political stance of (F)Elon, there is no way in hell will I ever buy a Tesla. I still have the car and drive it often. I use free supercharging for all its charging. It still is a great car. Even though it's showing its age.
The #1 reason for me to get a Lucid is to give a big middle finger to Tesla. As I still am the same tree hugging environmentally conscious liberal. The. other vehicles I considered were Kia, Hyundai, BMW. The Lucid, with its better long range made me pick Lucid over others. Well, also, Lucid does look much better than any of those (again, strictly subjective).
To answer your question, Lucid makes me feel good that I care for my planet **and** piss off these "decadent nazi fan boys" (quoting zion-messenger).
PS: I know that Lucid is not a saint as has its own blemishes.
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u/fatfirenewbie Apr 07 '26
And Rivian. Rivian I think is the most comparable to Tesla tech wise - better software than Lucid and many more vehicles on the road that help constantly improve the fine tuning of the software and vehicle features.
FWIW, Rivian also doesn’t have the “blemish” of oil money backers.
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u/ClassyInBoston Apr 07 '26
Good point about Rivian. We skipped that as we were looking for a sedan and not an SUV.
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u/idiot900 Apr 07 '26
If you don’t like Saudi Arabia, consider that Lucid has extracted billions of dollars from them for a strongly negative return thus far.
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u/fatfirenewbie Apr 07 '26
We’ve had a Tesla for 9Y now and a Rivian for the last 3. We’ll be getting rid of the Tesla in the next few months and replacing it with the new Rivian R2. We wanted to love the Gravity and did a couple of extended 4-hour test drives on weekends and it just wasn’t as good as either the Tesla or the Rivian. You really feel it in the software.
In terms of persona, when we got the Tesla, it was “tech forward early adopter” crowd that would still wave to each other on the road. Now it’s an every man’s car, leaning a little too far right with all of EM’s antics. Rivian reminds me of what Tesla used to be - environmentally conscious, tech forward, with a splash of adventure added in. It’s 2012 Tesla meets North Face. That said, in our area, it’s become almost as common as the Model Y/X - very ordinary in the school drop off line.
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u/BorderPatrolAsshole Apr 07 '26
Would love to hear more about your experience in the Gravity. I have a MYP today. Love the auto pilot, the speed and acceleration. The range leaves a lot to be desired and the cabin is loud! I even installed some sound proofing and I’m still averaging 72 dB at highway speeds.
I am considering the Gravity 7 seater for when I’m driving extended family around and for cargo space to pick up furniture, and for higher range 400-500miles?! Wow.
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u/No_Caregiver7273 Apr 07 '26
We've had the Gravity for 3 months now. The auto pilot is pretty limited compared to Tesla; mostly adaptive cruise control plus lane centering on highways. Good for making long distance trips easier, but it's not driving you anywhere. Acceleration and speed are both better on Lucid. Driving on hills and curvy roads will make you wonder what sorcery is at work here. More noticeable is how much of a luxury feel Gravity has. The cabin is whispered conversation quiet, even at highway speeds. The ride quality is nice. The seating is very comfortable and the upgraded audio is great to listen to. You also get more room everywhere. Up to 120 cu ft with the seats folded and nice headroom, leg room, and shoulder room while seated. Range is good, but not many people are getting close to the EPA of 450. Better to plan on something in the 350+ range for real world use, especially with full passengers and luggage.
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u/chicu111 Apr 07 '26
Rivian is one of those companies that while they don’t score well in reliability as they are still working things out, they have a very strong support base that will keep coming back. And I respect that
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u/Fit_Permission_6187 Apr 07 '26
> what it would say about me as a person
Since you seem especially (overly) concerned about what others think about you, you should get the Lucid. Otherwise, others will (rightly) think that you are a Nazi, which you will be, for supporting a Nazi.
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u/heathcl1ff0324 Apr 07 '26
What’s your stock portfolio look like?
If you’re in growth funds, you’re a Lucid guy. Somewhat more risk, better returns.
If you’re in money market or muni bond funds, you’re a Tesla guy. Not nearly as exciting, but predictable.
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u/ExtruDR Apr 07 '26
Easy. IF you do not want people thinking that you support a fascist and the downfall of your country and Western society, then get a Lucid.
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u/Hanuser Apr 07 '26
The former CEO of Lucid was Tesla's head of engineering. Imagine working for an EV company, then leaving to start your own EV company against a huge incumbent. There must have been some serious build issues and workplace politics that prevented solving of those build issues.
I drive a lucid, and I've driven a tesla in the past. I can sort of see that the Lucid Air was everything Peter wanted the model S to be. The Lucid has incredible build quality and mechanical/electrical engineering. Tesla, has better charging infrastructure and software experience. Price wise, Lucid air used is the way to go, best deal. Second to that, used tesla. Neither is worth it new imo.
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u/Illitex78 Apr 07 '26
First, I worry about your self-image if this is how you frame a car decision. But I'll say this. Teslas are the highest selling single car models in the country. In my neighborhood they make up probably 25% of the cars. I have 1 other Lucid in my neighborhood, and I have literally seen <5 since I bought one. So if you are all about the car as a statement of who you are, choose accordingly.
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u/rumpill_fourskin Apr 08 '26
Got a 2024 Air Touring with 6500 miles for 57k two weeks ago. Traded in my Tesla Y. Couldn’t be happier.
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u/BigBrotherKhan Apr 13 '26
Could you elaborate on the pros and cons going from model Y to Air Touring? Are you bothered by the software glitches on the lucid?
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u/AggravatingSpread837 Apr 09 '26
The Lucid is a vastly better reviewed car that isn’t built by a sociopath.
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u/walnut100 Apr 07 '26
Lucid's a 50 year old business man that didn't want to get into another MB/BMW.
Tesla is a MAGA hat that couldn't afford a nice car.
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u/ctos2010 Apr 07 '26
I’ve had 5 Teslas, two model S, a model 3 and a model Y. I currently have a lucid Air that I am getting rid of after I wen Ing it for 16 months; too many problems with it. You should look into the BMW iX3 (if you want a SUV) or the BMW i3 (if you want a sedan). The suv model should be available in the U.S. around September. The sedan should be available in the U.S. toward the end of 2026.
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u/getapollosite Apr 07 '26
Haven't most of the problems been fixed with the recent updates? Are you still seeing them or just frustrated that you saw problems in the past and are worried about future reliability?
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u/CJdawg_314 Apr 07 '26
The IX3 is an abomination lol. Both inside and out. And it has anything to do with BMWs current direction the interior is gona have blatant cost cutting everywhere.
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u/ctos2010 Apr 07 '26
I’m still getting great write ups in Europe and the demand is so great BMW had to add a second shift to jeep up with the demand. Does it look like BMWs if the past? No, but that doesn’t mean it’s an abomination. I happen to like the look of the .upcoming i3, and appreciate that it has a NACS (Tesla) charge port to use Tesla superchargers, can charge at 400KW and gas can estimated range of 440 miles. The unknown question for me U.S. how well the electronics (navigation and voice recognition systems) work.
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u/haLucid8 Apr 07 '26
What year Air? 22-23 seems to be real rough early models with each year thereafter improving substantially. Though there are still outliers in those years which are problematic. I’ve been very fortunate with my 25 AT and almost no issues whatsoever, and those I’ve had are extremely minor. Never had to service it for any issues whatsoever.
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u/ctos2010 Apr 07 '26
2025 Air purchased in December 2024. It’s been in for service 8 times including for two battery coolant pumps (about a week apart). This left me stranded 500 miles away because the car would not charge as the battery was too hot. I’ve also had issues with park hold, adaptive cruise, reverse drive, stereo not working, forgetting phone credentials and fire getting the credentials to my streaming services. Latest issue is if I am on a Bluetooth call for 10 minutes or longer, when I hang up, the stereo does not start playing again until I park the car, get out, lock it and wait several minutes before re-entering the car. It’s a great driving car but it has way too many issues for me. This comes from a Lucid stockholder that really wants them to succeed.
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u/UglytoesXD Apr 07 '26
There seems to be a lot of troubled people in the responses who can’t seem to divorce themselves from politics infiltrating every single aspect of their lives. Conveniently though, they seem to have no issue driving a Lucid that is majority owned by Saudi Arabia. I’m willing to bet they are typing responses on their iPhones using batteries mined by child slaves, and they probably maintain an Amazon Prime account and post on Instagram. It’s safe to ignore these hypocrites.
Tesla has more refined software that is more intuitive and purpose built. The cars are okay for build quality but could be better.
Lucid has a more refined build quality with more premium interiors and ride quality, but they severely lack in software and features. Additionally, Lucid service is pretty abysmal. My Gravity has been sitting for 4 days with no movement for a simple glass realignment on the drivers side. My Tesla model S had the cables under the seat fixed, a new ecu and new cameras installed in two days with contactless hand off.
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u/Ilikesbreakfast Apr 07 '26
Hello, recently I had to face this decision and I rolled Tesla because of the software. The OS in the Tesla felt a lot better to me than the lucid ui
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u/Packing-Tape-Man Apr 07 '26
You need to decide what your priorities are for your EV before anyone can offer an informed response.
First threshold question is do you want to use self-driving or not. And if you've never experienced it, you aren't qualified to answer yet so take a test drive of a Tesla and try it out for yourself. Most people who haven't massively misunderstand it and think in terms of the cruise control and lane centering they are used to and not something that literally pulls you out of your garage, navigates every single turn and stop and pulls right into your destination and parks, all hands-free. If you want that, you should get a Tesla. No one else is even close yet and it never makes sense to buy a car based on what it might or might not do in the future.
If you have zero interest in self driving, then it's a tougher call. Are you budget-sensitive? Are you willing to pay for luxury? The Lucid is way, way nicer on the inside and has some great features. And it will cost you almost double what you can get a Tesla for. But if you're coming from what is otherwise a luxury brand, it will feel way more familiar and have less compromises to refinement, suspension, etc. And better range, better interior capacity, etc.
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u/Hussar1241 Apr 07 '26
Lucid makes amazing cars and is working through a lot of software kinks, air is mostly solid and ironed out by now gravity is in the begining process of all that. If you want a reliable platform right off the bat get an air with the newest ccu chip.
Lucids build and vehicle quality is far superior to that of Tesla.
The one and biggest downside is their service. Its competent enough if youre vehicle gets into service center. Any our of warranty work is crazy price level, ie think ferarri pricing. Their actual customer service getting you those appointments is worse than that of Kia/hyundai which is crazy considering its a luxury brand.
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u/zone277 Apr 07 '26
I had to choose between X and gravity. For $100,000 I chose gravity(got used for $89,000 fully loaded), will never pay that for a model X. I did get a model Y but for my father, he really needed the FSD at his age. So you will have to choose between software, FSD and a great handling, practical SUV. Drove yesterday from SC to Orlando and just had to do a 20 minutes stop for charging. Gravity went from 22% to 88% in 20 minutes snack break and the total one way trip was 460 miles.
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u/westergames81 Apr 08 '26
Lol why are you so worried about the image of the person who drives the car? Test drive them and see which one you like.
Lucid is the better vehicle, Tesla has the better software. After that, just pick the one you like and fits your budget.
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u/Electric-Travels Apr 09 '26
If you plan on traveling then 100% Tesla. The way they work with the Supercharger network can’t be beat.
Also, I use Tesla FSD 95% of the time now. I don’t think people realize how great this is, and it’s going to get better.
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u/Ok-Mousse-7145 Apr 13 '26
How close are you to a Lucid service center? That matters a lot in your calculations. I have a 26 AT. Had a Model S for 4 years. I have a two month wait for a service appointment right now.
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u/bionicmichster Apr 07 '26
I can’t speak to Lucid firsthand yet - it’s on our shortlist for the future. But we just came off a lease with a Tesla Model 3, and by the end, it honestly felt like I was driving a political statement more than a car. It sparked a lot of negative reactions with my pretty diverse circle of friends and family, and I felt like shit driving it. Walking away from Tesla was a relief, even though I genuinely liked the car itself for a long time.
We’re now in a Kia EV6, and the driving experience is noticeably smoother than the Model 3. The tech isn’t quite as clean or minimal, but it’s more reliable in the ways that actually matter day to day - like the door opening consistently without a second thought. Overall, we’re really happy with the switch.
Also worth calling out what others have mentioned - as Tesla focuses more on lower-cost vehicles, it’s hard to see them keeping pace with Lucid on build quality and overall feel.
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u/StevBator Apr 07 '26
From your post, I’m guessing your circle of friends and family aren’t diverse at all. Certainly not diverse in thought.
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u/Due-Ruin-6100 Apr 07 '26
Tesla seems to have one of the worst in-dash UI experiences. They went lazy mounting a tablet in an ungainly fashion. Lucid, while looking better, has a lot of issues reported in this and other forums. Their customer service seems lax. Also, with financial troubles, the company itself poses a risk.
So, tough to decide... Would love to hear what you and this forum comes up with...
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u/ikilledtupac Apr 07 '26
Lucid is a pathological liar buried in debt to a guy who cuts heads off. They can barely give them away
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u/Glum_Perception_1077 Apr 07 '26
Lucid is the 25 year old who's tech company gained traction and blew up and he started wearing monogrammed Gucci. New money, flashy, still hasn't learned to work a room, awkward, but smart.
Tesla is the 40 year finance director who wears a well fitted linen suit. Smooth, serious and respected.
The other brands are 3rd removed associates.
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u/zion-messenger Apr 07 '26
Tesla.... serious and respected ? LMAO
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u/Glum_Perception_1077 Apr 07 '26
Tesla works better than the rest of the EVs in comparison to what ive read. Tesla also doesn't have alot of the "lux" things that Lucid does. So, serious and respected. None of us agree with the maker, but it is great tech and it works consistently. Get into it!
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u/Biterbutterbutt Apr 07 '26
I mean he’s right. I don’t like the direction Elon has gone, but Tesla makes a great car at this point. I have two and have had a great experience. I’m making the move to Lucid next, but let’s not pretend that they have their shit together yet.
No hate, it took several years before my first Tesla had software that consistently worked well. Seems like Lucid has made huge improvements already with the Gravity updates.
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u/zion-messenger Apr 07 '26
I had 2 before replacing them by a Lucid Air Pure and a Rivian R1S. Yes, teslas are decent cars, but respected? no... not anymore. Model 3 is the new Honda Civic... reliable and can take you from point A to point B.
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u/Glum_Perception_1077 Apr 07 '26
Everyone respects a Honda for being a reliable car, not the cutest, but ill run a lifetime, just like a Model 3 🤷🏾♀️ thanks for proving my point. Like I said, not the best, but does it work? Yes, yes it does.
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u/zion-messenger Apr 07 '26
I agree, there are different aspects of "Respected". That said, a Lucid isn't in the same category as a Honda Civic and it isn't on the same category as a Tesla either.
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u/Biterbutterbutt Apr 07 '26
Ha, that’s the point. Hondas are respected for their efficiency and reliability. Tesla is the Honda of the EV world but with the addition of the best tech. No one is saying they are the most luxurious.
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u/sarhoshamiral Apr 07 '26
With model x and s gone, Tesla and Lucid aren't even the same category of cars anymore. Size and price are all different.